What is a crop?
When plants of same type cultivated on a large scale it is called crop. For example, crop of paddy means that all the plants grown in the field are of paddy.
Alternatively, a crop is a plant or a plant that can be grown and harvested for subsistence or profit.
Crops are grown by farmers.
Categorization of crops by use
By use crops can basically be divided into six categories.
These crops are used in production of industrial goods. Its example is rubber.
These crops are grown for landscape gardening. They are mainly grown in nurseries, where they are purchased for commercial or residential purposes. Its examples are azalea and dogwood.
Oil crops are harvested for consumption or industrial use. Its examples are mustard oil, olive oil etc. Fuel made from oil crops is known as bio fuel. Its examples are biodiesel and bioethanol.
These crops are harvested for paper and textile products. Its examples are hemp and cotton.
These crops are harvested for livestock consumption. Its examples are alfalfa and oats.
These crops are harvested for human consumption. Its examples are gains, fruits and vegetables.
Categorization of crops in India
In India crops can mainly be categorized based on season they grow. They are Rabi, Kharif and Zaid crops.
- Rabi Crops: These crops are grown in winter season (from October to March) and harvested in spring. Examples of Rabi crops are Linseed, Mustard, Pea, Gram and Wheat. The word Rabi means Spring in Arabic.
- Kharif Crops: These crops are grown in rainy season (from June to September). These crops require a lot of water and hot weather for proper growth. Examples of Kharif crops are Cotton, Groundnut, Soyabean, Millet, Maize and Paddy.
- Zaid Crops: These crops are grown between Kharif and Rabi season (From March o June). Its examples are watermelon, bitter gourd, cucumber and pumpkin.
Difference between Rabi and Kharif crops.
| Rabi Crop | Kharif Crop |
| These crops require cold and relatively dry conditions to grow | These crops are grown in wet and hot conditions |
| They are non-monsoon crops | They are monsoon crops |
| Seeds sown in November or December | Seeds sown in July |
| Harvesting is done in June or July | Harvesting is done in September or October |
| Examples are peas, wheat, mustard | Examples are bajra, maize, rice |
Types of crops by life cycle
On the basis of life cycle crops can be classified into three types.
These crops have one year life cycle (one growing season). Its examples are grains, sunflower, mustard and beans.
These crops have two-year life cycle (two growing season). Its examples are coriander, cabbage, carrots and parsley.
These plants have life cycle of more than two growing seasons. Its examples are hazelnuts, walnuts, peaches, almonds and apples.
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